FRSC Declares War on Fake Diplomatic Plates in Nasarawa

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched an operation to clamp down on the use of clone and unauthorised diplomatic number plates in Nasarawa State.

Shehu Mohamed, Corps Marshal of the FRSC, disclosed this on Monday in Lafia during the flag-off of the special enforcement exercise. The Corps Marshal was represented at the event by Ayengbe Gabriel-Okpe, who stated that the operation aimed to restore order on the roads and curb the abuse of diplomatic privileges by unauthorised motorists.

According to him, intelligence reports showed an increase in the use of counterfeit diplomatic plates by private vehicle owners to evade traffic laws, tolls, and security checks.

"Diplomatic number plates are issued strictly to accredited diplomats and foreign missions in line with international conventions. The abuse of these plates by unauthorised persons undermines national security and public order," he said.

He warned that offenders caught with fake diplomatic plates would face prosecution under the FRSC Act and other relevant laws. "Vehicles found with such plates will be impounded and subjected to verification and prosecution," he added.

The commander urged motorists to desist from the practice and called on members of the public to report suspicious cases to the nearest FRSC command. The Corps Marshal added that the exercise would be sustained until sanity was restored.

In his remarks, Yahaya Sabo-Adikwu, Nasarawa State Sector Commander of the FRSC, said officials from various units have already begun stop-and-search operations at major highways and entry points into Lafia and other towns in the state. He explained that the command would do everything possible to rid the state of fake diplomatic number plates.

The sector commander also said that the officers were out to ensure a crash-free Sallah celebration. He therefore called on motorists to obey traffic rules and avoid over-speeding, dangerous overtaking, and mixed loading, among other violations, to curtail crashes in the state. (NAN)